VoiceThread interpersonal audio discussion activities for L2 pronunciation practice¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

VoiceThread is a web-based multimedia tool used in this study to deliver three collaborative interpersonal audio discussion activities in introductory French. Creators upload content as images, text, or video that operates as a point of departure for asynchronous discussions where users add their own content or comment on the existing conversation. Activities followed three phases (brainstorming, initial participation, interaction with classmates) and were paired with instructor pronunciation feedback and student self-assessment forms. The tool was selected for its multimedia criteria and its ability to accommodate communicatively based activities.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to VoiceThread accounts via web browser or mobile devices, instructor guidance on technical matters, and activity guidelines with checklists listing required tasks before each deadline

Constraints¶

• The article states the practicality and effectiveness of using interpersonal audio discussions as casual supplements without feedback or assessment is uncertain

Target Learners¶

• introductory second-language learners (second-semester university French students)

Target Learning Goals¶

• L2 pronunciation development
• willingness to communicate
• spoken interaction in the L2

Claims¶

• Students reported significantly less difficulty with comprehensibility and accuracy of pronunciation between the first and final audio discussion activity [+W]
• Interpersonal audio discussions with feedback and self-assessment elicit a statistically significant increase in introductory L2 learners' perceived pronunciation ability [+W]
• Participation in interpersonal audio discussions produced no statistically significant changes in overall willingness to communicate, though most students reported unchanged or increased WTC [+W]

Related Elements¶

Examples¶

• Asynchronous Voice

Key Sources¶

• Lepore, C. E. (2014). Influencing Students' Pronunciation and Willingness to Communicate through Interpersonal Audio Discussions. Dimension 2014. http://www.voicethread.com